Do you know of any medicaments that were used in the late 18th or early 19th centuries as topicals either to repel mosquitoes, or to relieve itching?Joseph Mussulman

Pennyroyal was known to assist with mosquito control in humans and animals by the American Indians and others. Personally, I

strongly discourage the use of pennyroyal in creams or other topicals in pregnant or women of childbearing age. However, as a repellent, it need not be applied directly to the human or animal but on an inanimate object close by or attached. The information below is from our

www. compounding today.com. Note the reference, USD, 1845. Garden variety mint plants are reported to help with mosquito control; thus, the oil could be helpful.

Formerly used as a emmenagogue. Pennyroyal should never be used medicinally. Severe toxic effects have followed its use as an abortifacient (causes irritation of the uterus and contractions) with seizures, hepatotoxicity, hemorrhage and death. There is no clinical evidence or data to support the use of this herb or its oil(s). It cannot be recommended.

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References:

Peirce A. APhA Practical Guide to Natural Medicines William Morrow and Company Inc, New York 1999:493-495